How To Stop Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening

Some people don’t consider the fact that teeth whitening can hurt until they start experiencing it themselves. Whether you’re seeing a dentist for pricey in-office treatments or attempting to DIY at home, pain during teeth whitening is a common occurrence. Most of the dental and mass-market teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, an effective but potentially painful ingredient. 

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best-known teeth whitening chemicals, and it works by getting beneath the minuscule cracks and pits of your tooth enamel. Those spaces are where discoloration hides, and hydrogen peroxide attacks them fiercely, making hydrogen peroxide a truly effective way to remove stains. Unfortunately, what makes it great also causes problems. Hydrogen peroxide rushes into these spaces and overloads them, causing pain. 

So how to stop sensitive teeth after whitening? Look for carbamide peroxide on the label. This compound is less well known, but it’s exactly as effective as hydrogen peroxide. Many dentists and commercial solutions avoid it because it produces less dramatic results at first, but we promise, patience pays off. So how does carbamide peroxide work?

Carbamide peroxide differs from its cousin, hydrogen peroxide, in that its absorption rate is steadier. Instead of overwhelming your tender teeth with chemicals, it gently breaks up stains over time. As it’s gentler than hydrogen peroxide, it can be in contact with your teeth for longer. Carbamide peroxide is especially gentle when used in foam form, as patients can use it more frequently — and even overnight.